Vineyard Day Storytime: A Memorable Summer Day in Cyprus, Exploring a Stunning Vineyard and Relaxing at a Beautiful Beach

Experience the magic of a summer day in North Cyprus by visiting the beautiful vineyard in Ilgaz. The stunning scenery and relaxing atmosphere make for the perfect day out with friends, family, or that special someone.

Last summer, my boyfriend and I had the pleasure of experiencing just that. We started our day with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea at Suna Beach. The clean, golden-brown sand and crystal-clear waters provided the perfect escape from the summer heat. When I was swimming in the cooling waters in the heat of the Mediterranean summer I was moved by the views of the beautiful mountains of Alsancak so close to the sea.

One of the highlights of Suna Beach for me was the changing rooms and showers. The black and gold granite gave them a luxurious feel, and they were impeccably clean and spacious. It was the perfect way to freshen up after some time in the sun and sand. We also had no trouble finding a parking spot, which meant that we did not need to walk under the sun in the August heat in our flip-flops.

With the sun shining bright, we worked up quite an appetite and headed over to Ilgaz Koy Kahvakltisi for a traditional Turkish breakfast. We were pleasantly surprised by the extensive selection of mouthwatering dishes that were on offer. In our traditional Turkish breakfast which is called “Serpme Kahvalti” we were served a delectable assortment of dishes that tantalized our taste buds. From the rich and creamy hummus to the flavorful olives, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, a variety of cheeses (such as feta, beyaz peynir, and kaşar), cured meats (like sucuk and pastirma), boiled eggs, honey, jam, and different types of bread (like simit and pide), every bite was a culinary delight.

Our bellies full, we decided to take a leisurely walk through the mountains overlooking the valley and the sea. The breathtaking views were a feast for our eyes, and we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such natural beauty.

Next up, we visited the vineyard’s production facility, where we got a firsthand look at the process of making wine. We even got to pick our own grapes! Here I forgot to apply my sunblock which I paid the price for by peeling like a lizard on my shoulders in about a week’s time. Then the knowledgeable staff took us through the various stages of wine production, from crushing the grapes to aging the wine.

With our curiosity quenched, it was time for some wine tasting! We were presented with nine different varieties of wine, each with its own unique flavor and aroma. The staff was very informative, providing us with a detailed description of each wine as we tasted it and they spoke perfect English.

As the day drew to a close, we headed over to the vineyard’s restaurant for a delicious meal. To start, we shared a mouthwatering tuna carpaccio. For the main course, I indulged in a perfectly cooked salmon fillet served on a bed of creamy pumpkin sauce.

Finally, we made our way to the resort’s bar to listen to some live jazz music under the stars. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with adventure, relaxation, and delicious food and wine.

Overall, our experience was nothing short of amazing. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and embrace the laid-back lifestyle of North Cyprus. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, I highly recommend a visit to this charming vineyard in Ilgaz Kyrenia.

Cyprus’s History With Wine: Home for the World’s oldest wine in production

Commandaria is the World’s oldest wine in production holding a special place in Church as it’s the historic wine used for the Holy Communion. Dating back to 800BC, the crusades in the 12th Century called this delicacy the “Cypriot Nama” believing that the wine had therapeutic qualities. Commandaria geographically originates from 14 villages to the South of Troodos Mountains, home to the highest peak Mount Olympus. It is made from two unique types of grapes the blue grape mavro blue and the white xynisteri., both are indigenous to Cyprus. The grapes are picked and dried to enrich their sugar content and dried grapes are then pressed. Grapes are fermented in huge jars afterward.

Commandaria was declared “the wine of kings and the king of wines” by Richard the Lionheart when he celebrated his marriage to Berengaria and his overtaking of the Island of Cyprus. Ever since Europe praised this sweet-tasting wine. In the 13th Century “Battle of the Wines” was held by the French King Philip Augustus and Commandaria won the first prize.

“the wine of kings and the king of wines”

Richard the Lionheart

The customs of production of this ancient wine have been preserved over the centuries by the villagers. The heritage of Commandaria is guarded by the 14 villagers on the Mountains of Troodos. Amber-colored Commandaria is best served chilled at around 6-9 ºC and can be consumed with some mature cheese and nuts.

Resident Artisan Vintners, bringing tradition to life on the island of Cyprus

Vines have been grown and grapes have been pressed in the Mediterranean since the Bronze Age, The Vineyard Winery and Estate is breathing life back in to tradition with its resident artisan vintners who are using their passion and knowledge to bring a new era to the island by creating distinguished wines. They are able to take a fresher approach to their craft, handpicking from both time-honed traditions and modern technology.

The Winery does not outsource any aspect of viticulture or winemaking this is a reflection of their belief in balance, detail, and integrity. Their winemaking methods have been carefully chosen to promote the cleanest expression of the fruit and our Cypriot soil.

Notable Awards: Award-Winning Wines and Vineyard Hotel

Wines Primus 2017 & Primus 2018 both have been awarded prestigious medals at the International Wine Challenge 2023 in London.

The Hotel is a World Luxury Hotel Awards 2020 Winner.

The Hotel is the 2020 and 2021 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice.

CHEF RESTAURANT

Chef Restaurant brings new culinary opportunities with the internationally acclaimed chef Eyal Lavy, providing guests with a fine dining experience from a varied menu selection of tastes from around the world.

WINE SPA

The Wine Spa offers a range of therapies for Mind, Body and Soul tailored to suit your needs. The Wine Spa is located on the edge of the vineyards with a spectacular wine bath overlooking the extensive Vineyard Estate, it is somewhere residents and guests can rediscover harmony and wellbeing in a beautiful setting.

VINEYARDS

Set high upon the hills of the Beşparmak Mountains overlooking the Mediterranean the estate has over 4 hectares of vineyards planted with a variety of vines. With every vintage they strive to bring out the best in the vines from each individual plot of the vineyard. To achieve their unique style, they have planted 9 varieties of grapes, each carefully selected by matching the vines to the suitable soil and climate differences, and by carefully monitoring watering, foliage and crop load, the wines fully express the potential of their estate-grown grapes.

HARVEST TIME

Their picking parameters are unique, using all the tools available as a backdrop for own personal sense of taste, smell, sight and touch they make every effort to harvest only when the grapes reach optimal maturation. Bud break at vineyard estate occurs in early spring with harvest commencing on average at the beginning of August.

WINERY

Every one of their wines is handmade, taking the greatest care and attention to detail in every aspect of the craft. The winery is custom built and designed to give winemaking team all the tools to create exceptional wines. It houses modern equipment, offers the ability to ferment each and every vineyard block separately, while also conducting small-lot experiments, complimented by a large underground barrel store for wine aging under the perfect conditions to fine-tune and further express the true spirit of Estate Winery.

WINE CULTURE

The Vineyard’s Wine Culture provides guests with a complete insight and experience of wine culture. Guests are able to discover the magic of the complete wine making process, from the planting of the vines to the final production of distinguished wines, more than that, visitors can choose from a wide selection of tours, wine education courses, wine lectures and much more that will enhance the guest’s wine culture experience.

Wine CENTER

Guests are able to select from a choice of tours and wine tasting experiences and events available throughout the year. You will of course also have the opportunity to taste and purchase the exquisite wine produced by the winery’s resident artisan vintners.

Within The Vineyard’s Wine Culture you will find conference facilities and a VIP lounge that is available for meetings and private parties. There is also a conference room where training courses can be booked. From the stunning wine bar you can relax and watch the sunset over the vineyard with a glass of your chosen vintage, the wine bar hosts regular musical events featuring international artists from a variety of musical talents as well as other special events throughout the year. The Estate is home for the Annual Spring Wine Festival.

Written by Soylem Coli

– Realtor- Head of Regional Sales at Avertiss exclusive partners

Mobile: +905338641652

10th of April 2023